CORTLAND Mayor seeks volunteers to fill positions

The mayor would like to appoint the new members by the end of the month. By PEGGY SINKOVICH VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF CORTLAND -- Mayor Melissa Long says she has openings on the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Park Board and a newly formed architectural review committee. "I call these jobs 'thank you' positions, because they are all volunteer. None are paid," Long said. "They are important though, and we need to get people on these boards that have a real interest in the community." The mayor said that two members of the Planning and Zoning Commission and one member of the Park Board will be resigning at the end of the year. She added that she will also need five members for the architectural review committee. She would like to appoint the new members by the end of the month. "Anyone interested should contact me at city hall, (330) 637-3916 as soon as possible," Long said. "I would like to get anyone who has an interest in the community and community development." Meetings: The Planning and Zoning Commission oversees new development in the city and enforces the zoning code. The commission meets once a month. "The meetings can sometimes be lengthy if you get a person who likes to talk a lot," Long said. "They are important meetings because this is how the city is shaped." The park board also meets once a month. The members of the Parks Board also oversee the youth summer programs at Willow Park. The summer program offers crafts and sports activities for city children. "It's a very popular program here, and one we would like to keep going," Long said. She said she does not know how often the five members of the architectural review committee will meet. "This is going to be a brand new committee for the city, so I don't know when they'll get together. At first they will probably only convene when needed," the mayor said. "This committee will work closely with new developers to help make sure the city has some say in how big the building will be, what colors will be used and that the green space is used properly." sinkovich@vindy.com